The next-generation Nissan Navara that’s sold in some parts of the world as the Frontier, including Mexico, Argentina and Brazil (though, not to be confused with the unrelated U.S. and Canadian-spec Frontier) could receive some parts from the outgoing Mercedes-Benz X-Class, at least according to a new report.
It’s no secret that the X-Class was underpinned by the same platform as the Navara. However, not everyone knows that Mercedes-Benz did make some alterations to the platform, adding some structural reinforcement to add to its strength and improving the driving dynamics.
Now, Autoblog.com.ar is reporting that when the new Navara hit the market, they will do so with the strengthened platform of the X-Class, including its new cross members. The report adds the Nissan will receive the same supplementary crossbar as the X-Class.
Read More: All-New Nissan Frontier Makes Spy Debut, Looks Like A Baby Titan
Nissan will apparently start manufacturing the first prototypes of this chassis before the end of the year at a factory in Argentina.
What about America’s Frontier?
It was only in February that Nissan updated the Navara’s distant American and Canadian cousin, the current Frontier (which is related to the second generation Navara, not the third gen NP300 sold globally) for the 2020 model year. While it largely retained the same looks as the previous model, it did land with a new 3.8-liter V6 using 93 per cent new or re-designed parts, allowing it to deliver an impressive 310 hp and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque. This engine will come standard with the next-gen Frontier and be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the five-speed auto and five-speed manual that have been offered in previous years.
Not to be confused with the Frontier sold outside the U.S. and Canada
From what we’ve heard from Nissan sources, America and Canada’s next-generation Frontier will not use the global Navara platform mentioned above but a heavily revised version of the current model’s older truck architecture, the F-Alpha. Confusingly, Nissan markets the global Navara as the Frontier in several other markets.
Sources tell CarScoops that rear-wheel drive will be standard and an all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled transfer case will be optional.
Nissan had been expected to unveil the new North American Frontier pickup truck before the end of the year, but it seems increasingly likely we won’t see it until 2021.
Correction: We’ve clarified that there are in fact two different Nissan Frontier models available for sale in the world, one for numerous global markets that is the same as the European Navara (NP300), and one based on the older F-Alpha platform for the U.S. and Canada
